All Reviews by offthecouchLA

I've attended a few of the Friday Fantastic Summer Concerts, and it's a blast. Cheap beer and food, horse racing, AND a free concert at the end? It makes for a very unique and fun night. I try to bring a big group a few times each summer.

There are very few places I will insist you visit no matter what the weather - and this is probably my top choice.

Great for a rainy day (or the weeks following a sunburn) the Annenberg Space for Photography is a &quot;something to do&quot; that you will go to again and again.

Even the most impatient, &quot;I don't like museum&quot; folk (kids, boyfriends, etc) will love this place - and with the new exhibit Beauty CULTure opening this weekend (May 21st) there is something new and absolutely captivating for everyone!

Read more about the do's and dont's so you make the most of opening weekend here: http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2011/05/annenberg-space-for-photography.html

It's funny, the CCC has been around for 20 years and still, I've lost track of the number of times that I've talked to &quot;locals&quot; and &quot;natives&quot; who say, &quot;the chicken cafe..?&quot;

Oh, my. As has been said, this place is GREAT. Plenty of meal options starring chicken (think: huge salads, wraps, side salads, pasta salads, etc) great for a quick lunch or dinner (under $10!)

There is something slyly addictive about the dressings they use...read more about my love for CCC here: http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2011/04/california-chicken-cafe.html

Sweet Lady Jane is ONE OF A KIND. Where else on the west-side can you buy boutique-quality pastries and desserts (think muffins, cookies, trifle, pie, cake) by the SLICE - and, here's the cherry: It's open late. Sure, there is Susie Cakes up the street- but they close right when you are having dinner. SLJ is open till 10:30 or 11 pm - which makes it the PERFECT place to satisfy that late-night craving (or...early morning wish? They open at 6:30am!)

For more on my loving rave go here: http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2011/04/sweet-lady-jane.html

I am of the variety that REFUSES to join a gym - I hate working out inside. HOWEVER, Kinetic Cycling has officially WON OVER MY HEART. It is ONE of TWO exceptions I make to my rule - here is why Kinetic is outstanding:

1. BEST INSTRUCTORS: I highly HIGHLY recommend John S (owner) and SPASE (he dances, motivates, and will keep you coming back!)

2. AWESOME MUSIC...and...MUSIC VIDEOS. You will not get bored.

3. GREAT SCHEDULE: early morning through late morning, and evening classes too!

You can do anything for 45 minutes..give it a whirl! Read more about my 5-star like here: http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2011/04/kinetic-cycling.html

I've been here twice: sat at a proper table the first time, and the bar (impromptu, no reservations!) the second.

To keep it simple, I'll say this: Evan Funke is a genius. If you really want to seal the Happy Stomach Deal, go for the burger with the fried egg (duh, never skip a fried egg!) - and be sure to get extra dipping sauce.

Note: never skip dessert...for more on what I've had check out the full experience: http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2011/04/rustic-canyon-wine-bar.html

Ah, Abbot Kinney - where wrought-iron ambiance meets hipster foodie: you better be skinny to fit in here...not because it's LA, but because it's ALWAYS SO BUSY.

But that means it's so good, right? Exactly.

Who wouldn't like a place that offers a menu of small plates, pizzas, and mains to share? And with items such as pork belly and butterscotch pot de creme (A MUST MUST MUST) you'll be asking for more than the check at the end - perhaps if there is room for rent somewhere in the kitchen?

Everything is great - from the ample 4/20-style portions, to the &quot;I don't know what this green crunchy thing is but it's delicious&quot; combination of flavors, to the uber friendly/fun/cool staff - you'll find yourself wishing Chego was open for breakfast and lunch - because really, I'd love to try what they'd do with brunch...

Read more on why I told the GM, Micko, at Chego that I loved him: http://offthecouchla.blogspot.com/2011/04/chego.html